GLIMPSE: It all began in 1929

In reality, it took only a few months to plan. But this birthday party was years in the making: eighty years to be exact. The guests did not venture into the celebration of Raymond’s eighty years of life with wrapped gifts from Target. Nor were there balloons, or cupcakes, or a piñata. Rather there were poignant stories and priceless photos that were carried into the room in the hands and hearts of each guest and verbally woven together to form a quilt of memories for Raymond, for they are the greatest gifts of all during this short time we spend on earth. There was laughter, and some tears, as four grown children honored the man who raised them, the man who early in life was from the “wrong side of the tracks,” yet managed to sweep the professor’s daughter – their mother – off her feet, the man who instilled values into them and never missed one of their sporting events. While he may never have won the lottery or invented some Fortune 500 company, upon leaving his celebration one couldn’t help but think he was far more rich than even those that do. For he truly lived and loved every day for the past eighty years.

Happy birthday to my “Papa;” thanks for all that you have taught me about family, integrity, and sacrifice. While you may have been the honorary guest, we are the lucky ones.